Did you miss our fall migration bird walk with guide Kathy Dia? No problem! Catch up on the bird species we encountered and enjoy stunning photographs captured by attendee Cris Van Dyke.
Our Fall Migration Bird Walk began at the Minute Man Visitor Center in Concord, MA, by observing some interesting flocks of waxwings, finches, bluebirds, and blackbirds, including many young birds. One of the participants soon spotted a Red-tailed Hawk, probably one of our resident nesting pair.
On the walk to the Concord River we observed many beautiful full-year residents, like the Blue Jay caching acorns for the winter, and the handsome Red-bellied Woodpecker. We saw some locally nesting species which leave us for warmer parts in the winter, like the Gray Catbird, and Eastern Phoebe. We stepped up to the challenge of observing and identifying some migrant warblers such as the Palm and Blackpoll Warbler. They are on a mission to fuel up on their stopover, moving quickly through the canopy, in their cryptic fall plumage!
At the marsh area along the Concord River, we enjoyed seeing a Swamp Sparrow and a Great Blue Heron. A Marsh Wren was a welcome surprise in the cattails! While still widespread, Marsh Wrens are declining due to habitat loss, and can be secretive outside breeding season. At the Old Manse we heard and briefly saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
A fitting end to our walk, what could be more patriotic than a young Bald Eagle soaring over the North Bridge!
Want to join us for our spring bird walk in June of 2024? Sign up for our email newsletter for a registration reminder.
Written by Kathy Dia, a volunteer monitor for Northeast Temperate Network’s breeding bird survey at Minute Man National Historical Park. Kathy Dia leads bird programs for Mass Audubon, the Brookline Bird Club, and the Friends of Minute Man.
All photos courtesy of Cris Van Dyke. Above, left to right clockwise: Palm Warbler, Blue Jay carrying an acorn, Bald Eagle (immature), Marsh Wren. Below, left to right: American Robin, spider and its web covered with dew, Eastern Bluebird.
Learn more about bird watching at Minute Man National Historical Park.
Support the Friends of Minute Man by becoming a member today
